Razor Sharp

A Rainey & Levine Thriller #6

by J.A. Schneider

A Jack the Ripper type killer is murdering male prostitutes, with the exception of one young woman. Why? Police ask doctors Jill Raney and David Levine to help investigate.

'FROM HELL' the psychopath scrawls, taunting the NYPD with the original Jack the Ripper's 1888 letter to the police. They ask "one small favor" of Jill and David, police friends and - until now, detectives on their own.

"No warrant? No problem!" had been their mantra ... until their relationship with the cops got crazy; led to exhaustion, conflict, and not enough time to spend with their adored little son, Jesse.

But they share the horror that grips the country and agree to help, thus plunging into a terrifying maze of psycho-sexual obsession and madness.

Genres: Thriller

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 25, 2015

About the author

Wheaton College, Norton MA (French Lit Major, Minor in Spanish & squeezed in Russian.)
Sorbonne, Jr. Year in Paris
Exchange student in the Soviet Union, where I got arrested for spreading anti-Soviet propaganda - ugh. Caught with friends laughing at their pea-green-colored drinking water; that was the offense; four of us arrested. Let go after a day, guess they decided we weren't worth an international incident...

Now excited about my new upcoming thriller, THE GIRL THIEF! Release May 30!

Former writer at Newsweek Magazine. Author of the 6-book EMBRYO medical thriller series; the 4-book Detective Kerri Blasco Police/Psychological Thrillers FEAR DREAMS, HER LAST BREATH, WATCHING YOU, & SHOELESS CHILD.

Also 7 standalone thrillers: INTO THE DARK, GIRL WATCHING YOU, WHAT YOU'VE DONE, CRY TO ME, THE WIFE LIST & THE GIRL THIEF. Also the U.S. Civil War thriller, KATE WARNE'S SISTER IS MISSING. (She was America's first female detective and a Pinkerton. The story takes place in NYC - a pro-South hotbed - at the outbreak of the Civil War.)

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/joyce.schnei...
Twitter https://twitter.com/JoyceSchneider1
Website: https://jaschneiderauthor.net

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Husband and wife team, Doctors Jill Raney and David Levine were having a well-earned week’s vacation from their very demanding job; the hospital's maternity section where they spent their shifts was always busy. But their work with the police also demanded a lot of their time and the birth of their now three year old son Jesse had made news around the world.

Jill and David’s relaxation after a night at the opera was interrupted by a call from one of their police friends – Kerri had bad news to impart. And with that, their vacation was over! A serial killer was murdering male prostitutes and transvestites – but the latest kill was slightly different. They knew it was the same psychopath though – the identifying mutilation was identical to the three previous murders…

Emulating 1888’s Jack the Ripper, this killer disgusted and haunted the police. Never had they seen it so bad – but with little evidence to go on, the frustration of the police was high. Once again Jill and David were asked to help the police. Going where the police couldn’t, David and Jill could find information that eluded the detectives. But as the killer escalated, so too did the danger to those chasing him. And especially to Jill – as the terror mounted, she knew she needed to catch this crazy person; but at what cost?

Wow! Once again author J.A. Schneider has hit the jackpot with Razor Sharp. #6 in the Raney & Levine series it is filled with intense and chilling twists and turns. A psychopathic killer; frustrated cops; two doctors in as deep as can be; and one cute as a button three year old! I love Jesse – he’s an incredibly smart little boy, and so cute! Once again, I highly recommend this series, and also recommend starting at #1, Embryo.

With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.

[Una Tiers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot pulled this up from a two star book. The main characters were not believable, doctors don't carry guns and don't spend their vacation helping the NY police because the police haven't a clue how to solve these crimes. Some of the grammar was cringe worthy. It was the first book of the series I read.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Razor Sharp: Embryo: A Raney and Levine Thriller # 6
Author: J.A. Schneider
Publisher: R.G. Schneider, M.D
Series: Embryo 6
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:

"Razor Sharp" by J.A. Schneider

My Thoughts....

Another well written story of the 'Embryo 6 series' by this author. We find with "Razor Sharp" with Jill and David the duo doctor couple while on vacation do it once again helping the police catch the psycho who was murdering featuring 'transvestites. trams gender woman and a 17 year old hustler.' Be ready for a little bit of it all as this bad person is brought down in this bloody mystery thriller suspenseful novel with a lots of twist and turns. I would recommend to get it all from the Embryo series to start with the first one and read you way through to this series. You will not be disappointed at all, however this series is a standalone read.

Here they are is you would like to take a look at them:

"Series order:
Embryo ..... Is a malignant genius tinkering with women's bodies?
Embryo 2: Crosshairs ... A killer stalks women & an unborn baby.
Embryo 3: Raney & Levine...A murderous religious zealot threatens women ("sinners!") and a newborn.
Embryo 4: Catch Me ... A serial killer just targets couples.
Embryo 5: Silver Girl ... A beautiful young TV star dies mysteriously...
NEW! EMBRYO 6: RAZOR SHARP: A Jack the Ripper type killer is murdering male prostitutes: A transvestite, a transgender woman, a 17-year-old hustler - to him, they're all males. Police again ask Jill & David to help..."

This author seems to have mastered it all in 'being so creative with such thought provoking stories and giving you such a good understanding of the medical and even the detective world.' I love how she was able to bring into the story of Jill and David's son....the three year old Jesse who proved to be quite helpful in this case. I will stop here and say to get the whole story you will just have to pick up "Razor Sharp" to see for yourself how well this story is presented to the readers. I found this novel a page turner and had me guessing right up to the end who the corrupt murderer was. Will there be a Embryo 7? Well. I guess we will just have to wait and see!

[Karen B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book free for an honest and unbiased review. This is number 6 in the Embryo series and while it is a great stand-alone novel; it is even better if you have read at least the first three books in the series.
Jill Rainey and David Levine are ob/gyn doctors and are finally on vacation. But their police assistance does not go on vacation when they are called to help with the investigation of a serial killer who is using Jack the Ripper as an inspiration. He has murdered and mutilated a transvestite, a male hooker and a transgender male, removing the prostrate of each (their one remaining "male part" no matter surgery). Now he has murdered a woman and so their is a new twist to the grisly murders and Jill and David are asked to assist. Jill and David can help in investigations in ways the police cannot; mainly by getting people to trust them and talk to them. There are several suspects and it wasn't until right near the end that I really knew who the killer was. The docs are also the dedicated parents of a very precocious young son (see books 1 & 2 in the series)
One of their skills is being able to empathize with those to whom they speak, engaging them in real conversation that often reveals details the police can get no other way. They never lose their emotional ties to the victims as well. They are not "faking it".
I liked this novel for the protagonists' compassion and the grisly murders are offset by their son who seems to have a skill all his own. The investigations are broken up by a visit to the zoo with Jesse.
The writing is crisp and fresh and the novel is full of suspense. I highly recommend this not only to those who have been reading the Embryo series but also to those looking for a great murder mystery.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal hit! So many reviews already going through what book is about and the entire series,so I will skip that part. Many have mentioned reading Part 5 as stand alone, and although you could, it loses alot of the finer points that help make the book fantastic as opposed to okay so if reading this series,and haven't yet started, I recommend starting with Book 1..you will not be disappointed.

I love medical thrillers, detective, espionage and similar books and have read hundreds over the years but I must say that I truly love the way that J A Schneider was able to combine the medical and detective parts in such a realistic manner. All too often when you see TV series or read books where drs become police consultants or solve the mysteries they seem so unrealistic as if the police could not do their jobs without the help of the wonderful doctor who also is now a professional police detective or in most cases better than the detective (think Diagnosis Murder..I loved the show but for pure entertainment as completely unrealistic). In this series, it all begins with truly a medical scenario that thrusts the husband/wife OB/GYN drs into the spotlight of helping the police as the medical portion so extreme that the assistance of doctors surely needed to understand the intricacies of situation (trying not to give away plot). As books progress, they find themselves becoming friends with the detectives they've worked so closely with in life and death situations so it makes sense when they encounter future police related situations (not at all uncommon if you know anything about working in big city hospitals how much crazy and often criminal situations come through the ER doors) that they would work closely with each other for help in utilizing the expertise of one another's field.

What I like about this is that they make it clear in reading book that the drs are not acting as police and that if they help any information will be thrown out of court as not gained properly, but in all cases severity of crime dictated to all parties that ultimate goal was for justice to be served and to stop the killers by whatever means necessary.

More often than not the detectives asked the drs to speak to potential suspects as they had the personalities and ability to get people to trust them and open up more freely to them then to the police. And that comes from having to deal with caring for patients and also delivering sometimes devastating news to parents of extremely ill infants, making them quite compassionate and easy to talk too. Without having read Book 1 you can't truly understand why the doctors are so deeply involved with everything that happens in the rest of the series of books. You will miss out on many of the nuances that will help clarify their positions and often risks they take, not just as drs but as parents to Jessie (the "miracle of Science baby" that the series started with). Once you understand the true nature of the relationships and how special Jessie is, in many important medical breakthrough areas, you will more readily understand the rationale behind what they do, especially if you are a parent yourself you know you would do anything to protect your child from anyone out to harm him or even just keeping him in media spotlight at all times.

So hard to explain without destroying storyline for you so I'm going to end by saying If I could I would have given this series more than 5 stars. The author lures you into the story with lovable characters and situations that genetically could be taking place in labs right now and if not, in the very near future. She shows how multiple professions can work together to accomplish goals quicker. Love is another key element in all the books and is one of the main factors that causes much of the decisions to involve the drs in helping to say yes almost immediately.

I am thrilled that the way the series ended Jessie is still young enough that should the author decide to carry the series further along, she can do so without losing any integrity to the first 6 books.

Great news for those who enjoyed this series, in about 2 weeks or so J A Schneider will be releasing her very first true stand alone novel called "Fear Dreams". I am thoroughly looking forward to reading it as soon as it is released. If you want to know more about it, you can follow her on FB, sign up for her newsletter or since already on GoodReads, you can follow her here.

****Highly recommend reading this****
FYI..this series is found in e-book format only but check out on Kindle under her name and some of them may still be available for free. That's how I got interested in the first place when I saw free books 1 and 2 as hadn't heard of her before hand. I checked back daily abd by the end got books 1-4 for free and only paying for last 2 books.So glad I got them, but having read Book 1, I would have willingly paid to purchase entire series. You won't be sorry you did if medical thrillers are one of your go to genres.

HAPPY READING TO ALL!

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.A. Schneider’s Embryo series started out as a futuristic medical thriller as the embryo in this series is the first human fetus that is brought to full term outside the mother’s uterus with possible genetic enhancements. However, as the series progresses, it is quite clear that this is indeed not a futuristic medical thriller but is very much a crime thriller with two OB/GYN physicians and married couple, Dr. Jill Raney and Dr. David Levine acting as detectives. The embryo, which is now a child named Jesse and the adopted child of Raney and Levine, is more of a background character and is not really the focus of the series.

The latest novel in the series, Razor Sharp, continues the crime thriller theme with a nasty serial killer murdering men who have had sex reassignment surgery or at least thinking about it. The killer’s modus operandi is similar to that of the slayings of Jack the Ripper. Drs. Raney and Levine are called onto the case when a women was found murdered in a style similar to the way the men had been killed. The police have found that Jill Raney has a talent in ‘seeing’ things in the evidence and often seek her advice. The cops also appreciate that both Raney and Levine can snoop around without having to obtain a warrant, which has come in handy from time to time.

With the exception of the first book in the series, Embryo, I would say that I like Razor Sharp better than any of the other books in the series as it has a decent edge to it that I like to see in a good thriller. The only problem that I have is that Schneider has strayed from the original theme of the series as both Raney and Levine are not really doing any doctoring, but are solving crimes. I think they should just quit their jobs as OB/GYN doctors and become detectives especially since David Levine likes carrying around a gun. Also the series really isn’t the Embryo series anymore as the embryo, which is now a toddler named Jesse, has only a minor role to play. Schneider tries to give Jesse more of a role in Razor Sharp, but the focus of the story is really still on Raney and Levine.

One of the strengths of Razor Sharp was Schneider’s sensitive exposé of the psychological struggles that transgender men endure and the stigma from society that they must face. Even though our society is becoming more accepting of homosexuality, it still has a long way to go in accepting transgender behavior. Hopefully with Bruce Jenner's very public coming out as Caitlyn Jenner, and fictional writings like Razor Sharp, society will eventually become more tolerant.

For those that haven’t read the Embryo series, Razor Sharp can be read as a standalone, though it would be helpful to read the first book in the series, Embryo, to get a better understanding about Jesse and why Raney and Levine have become detectives.

If you are interested in learning more about the Embryo series check it out on my blog A-Thrill-A-Week

[Vickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:

Razor Sharp begins with the horrific murder of a young woman by an unknown assailant. The attack was as brutal as it was horrific. When the cops needed help, they once again called Drs. Jill Raney and David Levine. The couple has become friends with the cops and have a knack for getting unattainable information out of certain individuals. Even though Jill and David were taking a week off, they agreed to help once they saw the crime scene. Things happen pretty quickly from that point on.

Jill and David talk to a therapist who had treated the young woman and were able to obtain some crucial information about the victim as well as a couple of others who were associated with her. Even though the therapist was leery of giving names, he knew he had to help out to keep others safe. Unfortunately for everyone, the killings escalated and everyone was doing their best to track down the murder, who was touting himself as another Jack the Ripper.

Eventually, persons of interest are brought in to be questioned which almost leaves more questions than answers. But, as the cops, and namely Jill and David, delve into the secret lives of people connected to the victims, what they find will shock them to their very core.

Razor Sharp is another well written story by J.A. Schneider that grabs your attention from the very beginning. There was a surprise in this one that has to do with their miracle baby, Jesse, which has left me wondering just what direction this series is going. And, if I’m being honest, I can’t wait to find out. Jill and David, as well as the cast of supporting characters, are very relatable and I enjoy the banter. Once again, if you’re looking for a fast paced and suspenseful medical mystery, this is the series for you. Well done, J.A. Schneider!

[Trista Borgwardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book # 6 in the Raney and Levine Series. Thus far I have been completely impressed in Schneider's creative, thought-provoking stories. Schneider has a detailed understanding of the inner workings of the medical and detective world.

Often times, once you get this far into the series, it starts to become repetitive, flat and feels rather forced. This is not the case at all in Razor Sharp. This story is unique just as every story has been before. This one takes us down the path of transgenders and the emotional complications and societal outcast that they are subject to.

One thing I love about Schneider's writing is that it is difficult to guess who the bad guy is. So many times, I can know in the beginning of the story who the killer is, but not with Schneider's novels. She leads you one direction until you think you know and then twists to lead you another direction. Her story telling provides the suspense and thrill that you crave when reading.

I love the characters in the book. It has been an absolute treat to watch Jill and David grow into who they are today. We have also been able to watch as Jill and David's relationship with the detectives have flourished to the point that the police department depends on these two to help.

I can't wait to see if there will be a book 7, I will most definitely read it. I love this series and the characters. The author has done a phenomenal job in her creations.

[Uvi Poznansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title, RAZOR SHARP, describes not only the nature of the murders in this story, not only the slashing of the victims’ throats, and not only the precision of Jill Raney and David Levine in figuring out the identity of the illusive criminal. The title, to me, describes one more thing: the writing itself. It starts and ends on the squeal of a child: on the first page, the heart-wrenching cry of bloodied child for his mommy, who has been brutally murdered. On the last page Jesse, the three years old son of the two protagonists, “happily threw up his arms and squealed, ‘Wheeee’” Talk about bringing the arc of the story full circle around, and of drawing contrasts between dark and light, evil and good, cruelty and compassion.

Besides following the story from the point of view of the ‘good guys’ I enjoy the brief visits into the sickeningly fascinating mind of the ‘bad guy’: “You’re too close to dead,” thinks the criminal, annoyed with an innocent bystander, and then restrains the tone of thinking by whispering, “Cool it. Wait for the target.”

It is intense descriptions like, “bullets whined and cracked near them, splintering cement,” that make the story better than cinematic: You not only see the action but feel it in every one of your senses, in your guts.

Five stars.

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

AHHH.. vacation. At least that's what Jill and David thought. Only three days into their vacation with more fun planned when they get a call. Both are doctors. This call doesn't have anything to do with the hospital. It's their friends Brand and Kerri. They want to know if Jill and David could stop by and see them. Jill and David agree and remind them they need to get home to their son Jesse. Things are never short and sweet when the police are involved.

J.A. Schneider once again gives us a thriller with twists, turns and surprises. These characters are very well defined. The writing, superb! I enjoy this series because each one reads great as a stand alone, but together, they will blow your mind. I know if you read this one, you'll want to read the others. I can clearly see this series as a television show. It would be tops in the numbers I'm sure. Ms. Schneider creates such vivid scenes you'll feel as though you are right there with Jill and David. I can't wait to see what happens next. This one should be on the top of your TBR pile.

I found no issues.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because Jill and David are amazing! ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[IceSe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart gripping thriller ,a page turner with a skillfully plotted twist that keeps you on an adrenaline drive until the very last page.
The sixth book in a a medical thriller written by the talented author Joyce Schneider.
The talented author has woven the threads of a plot in which a psychopath killer emulates the infamous notorious Jack the Ripper who had pulled off a series of hideous murders back at the eighteenth century.the main characters doctors Jill Raney and David Levin vividly portrayed ,connect to the reader on so many levels ,brave crime fighters level as much as the personal level .
I have definitely Loved that book ,and as a fan of the original Jack the Ripper myth I would say that the brilliant author JA . Schneider has performed an awesome research on that subject ,possesses of medical knowledge as well as talent ,burrows deep in the abyss of the human dark side presenting a very good plot .
I definitely liked that one .

[Sophie Bristow Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Razor Sharp is the sixth instalment of the fantastic Embryo series by the awesome author, Joyce Schneider.
This book was bloody brilliant (in more ways than one!) The author has added more grisly passages to lead the reader down than ever. I grimaced more than once at some of the paragraphs, chewed my already badly gnawed nails even more and flinched numerous times as I sat reading!
I have read and greatly enjoyed the 6 current books in this series, I feel like the characters have become good friends of mine, I love reading their action packed adventures and seeing how they overcome difficult and scary situations.
I so hope that there are many more books in this series, they are just a delight to read.
Many Thanks to the author for passing a copy of Razor Sharp ~ Embryo 6 to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. You rock Joyce!!!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Book 6 in the Embryo series, as it follows Jill Raney and David Levine.

Jill and David are asked to help their police friends with one of their new cases. A Jack The Ripper type serial killer is on the loose killing transgenders, but the latest one was a woman. They need help trying to figure out why that one is different. As they get closer to the killer, their lives are more in danger also.

This is another nail biter from Ms. Schneider, with many chilling twists and turns. I highly recommend this series, start with the first one, so you can fully appreciate all of the characters. I can't wait until the next one!

[P.S. Winn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Raney and David Levine are doctors but they are more than that because they also help the police,especially Kerri Blasco and Alexander Brand who work for the NYPD. A series of gruesome murders are going to have all involved going down a track to follow a killer similar to Jack the Ripper in this Murder, mystery of intriguing although gruesome deaths. The author has a great writing style and tells a believable story that is a page turner readers won't want to put down. This is a book readers who love murder mystery and a good story should grab.

[Linda Bendele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unequaled suspense along with rich character development make for wonderful read.

Five stars for this book because of the combination of plot, location in addition to the mentioned suspense and character development. A valuable asset to Razor Sharp is the very sensitive venture into the world of transgenders and gays. A very contemporary issue mixed with the elements of Jack the Ripper makes for very masterful work. Well done!

[Pernette · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Raney and Levine series are some of my favorite thrillers. This book did not disappoint. From the beginning I was apprehensive and had a feeling of foreboding. I thought this was the darkest book of the series. I feared for the lives of the main characters. The mystery and suspense kept building right up to the climax when the killer was revealed.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 6th book in the Embryo series: a Raney & Levine Thriller. This book is a little different, more suspenseful thriller than the others. Jesse, the beautiful child who was grown in a glass pod, makes his presence know though. The book that doesn't let you know until the end who did it is J.A. Schneider at her best.

[mary moger-bordeaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant well researched story in the Embryo series.

Well written and well researched. I enjoy the twists and turns in everyone of these books. Highly recommend these books. Can't wait for the next one.

[Rob Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, fun read-- I have read many Jack the Ripper wannabees and odes and this one was better than most... with a good twist at the end and nice misdirection along the way.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This on is definitely NOT G or PG rated (violence)

A psychiatrist whose practice is with gender confused people trying to make a decision about hormone replacement therapy (aka HRT) and gender reassignment surgery.
And early on, Jill and David are involved in trying to find the culprit who has, as the story opens, killed 2 of the doctor's patients plus 2 more. Is it one of the doctor's regular patients? One of the ones who saw him once or twice and left angry or in denial? Or someone else? Someone who is trying to be super macho perhaps to compensate for gender confused feelings they don't want to admit? Someone who seems harmless but isn't? As more gender confused people or transitioning people are cut up by the slasher, Jill's easy approachability gets her insights she might otherwise not have had. Meanwhile, Jesse, now 3, is playing easily with toys above his age level, and making predictions- and at the end, the day care has to call his parents because Jesse is so distraught and has to tell them.something - which is, that the bad man is in the place they are now, and is going to try and kill them. David reassures him - reminds him that Daddy is armed and they will be careful...and at the end of the ordeal, the teamwork of the 2 stops the perpetrator long enough for the cops to make sure he never harms another soul. And, of course, allows for a call to Jesse to tell them Mommy and Daddy are alive and will be there to get him as soon as they can be.
Jesse has been making increasingly accurate predictions since the last book at least, and sees through disguises. The man who manipulated his DNA when he was being created, so to speak, had bragged that Jesse would have extraordinary intelligence, health, longevity, disease resistance, and more...and his predictions seem likely from a high intelligence, skilled at synthesis as well as analysis.
In the end, it is a "tell" noted by a close friend to one of the victims that tips off the Dynamic Duo to the danger they're in.
Well written, as usual, non-stop action, and shows the wide range of ambiguity about gender and the reasons people give for their feelings, and elicits sympathy - couldn't fail to elicit sympathy - for those struggling with these issues, and a hope that they can find their true selves so they can make a decision on what comes next in their lives.

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are an adrenaline junkie, you will love this book. Before you finish reading the first page, your heart will beat faster, and you may be tempted to bite your nails. J. A. Schneider doesn't mess around. The action always starts right there on page one.

There have been few serial killers to rival the dread imposed on a city like Jack the Ripper. RAZOR SHARP is Jack with a twist. Yes, pun intended!

I've been reading and reviewing the Embryo series since book one. Each one is better than its predecessor. I totally enjoy the fast pace and pretty much non-stop action. The fact that all this action takes place in New York City is also a plus… that's my hometown. J. A. Schneider has captured much of the essence of the city. I can see the shiny wet streets and hear the cacophony that is the traffic both vehicular and human. I left New York a long time ago, and stopped missing it after maybe five or ten years, but I never tire of being brought back there in the midst of a nail-biter of a story.

Although each mystery can stand on its own, I do recommend that you start reading this series with book one. By doing so, you will learn about the characters and their special relationship to each other. I really hope there are more books on their way so that I can once again get lost in the pages and the excitement.

[Evelyn Launderville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Take

Jill and David get involved in another murder case while they are on a stay at home vacation. This one has a nasty way of killing. I never was sure who did it until the very end.

[Valerie Janecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense

I’ve read the whole series and enjoyed it. It’s in interesting concept, and was wanting more. It left me wanting to hear more about Jesse.

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

First of all I would like to thank the author for asking me to review this book. Inviting people to review something you have written is risky because reading is such an individual endeavour and people draw on their own beliefs and experiences in interpreting and understanding literature.

I think this is overall an interesting, dramatic and fast paced thriller but I wavered between 3 stars and 4 stars because of some of the cultural references and also because I didn't really appreciate the way the transgender community was depicted.

Jack the Ripper has returned but this time to the streets of New York and he is murdering transgender people in the most brutal and horrific way, and as the police hunt down the killer the murders begin to escalate and people who are not transgender are caught in the killers sadistic and murdering path.

The police decided to call upon doctors Jill Raney and David Levine who have helped them solve mysteries in the past. Jill and David are trying to have some down time with their adopted son Jesse, but they are drawn into the crime because the police believe they can help and so they help the police navigate witnesses, gather evidence and hunt down clues. As the murders begin to escalate both Jill and David are drawn into the murderous rage of the killer, who may well attack them before they manage to find him.

I thought that this was an interesting story. It was fast paced with suspense and darkness. You are immediately drawn into the fear and threatening environment of a city where a serial killer is at large and the story manages to convey that sense of being in a big urban city which has suddenly become sinister and dangerous.

This is actually book six in the series but I read this as a stand alone and I was quickly able to catch up on the characters and their son, and how they all came to be together.

I think the story also tries to bring a new dimension by telling a murder story about the transgender community but I have to say that the trans people within this story actually came across as all having psychological problems or being very confused, and this is certainly not the case. Whilst attacks against transgender people are very high throughout the world, transgender people are not weak or confused people. It is a community which has incredible strength, incredible and intelligent activism, passion and courage. I don't think this story depicts them in that way.

I did enjoy the way Jill and David worked together to solve the crime alongside the police. They both come across as very human with their struggles to balance career, family and friends with their growing public recognition and the challenges this present. I wasn't sure how realistic their involvement with the police would be. Would police really involve civilians in their investigations in such a way? In any case it doesn't detract from the story and adds an interesting dimension.

I thought the actual mystery was great, with murders, clues, twists and turns echoing the famous Jack the Ripper but this time in 21st century New York. The violence, darkness, suspense and brutality flow from the page in a way that is frighteningly real. I don't normally read medical thrillers but if I did I would definitely go and read the series from the beginning.

Of course I did have a few niggles. I didn't warm to all the characters and raised my eyebrows at the the thought of a doctor who carries a gun strapped to his ankles. I wouldn't want a doctor to operate on me if he was carrying, but that whole concept of citizens carrying weapons is an American thing and illegal where I live.

I struggled with the way the story depicted one of the victims. Kimmie Clark was the first non-transgender victim and the story shows her as being a truly lovely person who had been to Africa to work with the poor people there.

This depiction grated on my nerves. Africa does not need saving! What we need is good governance and accountable leadership at all levels.

So I was totally unconvinced by this angelic young lady who put herself at risk from Hepatitis B to 'save' Africa. I felt this character was portrayed as being so good in comparison to the trans women, that she was undeserving of such a brutal death. I was uncomfortable with this and what I saw as a negative underlying message. I hated the way Africa is depicted in this book in only a few short sentences and to have this young angelic murder victim portrayed as some kind of white saviour was doubly irritating.

These are the kinds of cultural references that throw people out of a story.

So in summary I think on the whole it is a good story, not a great one for me, but other people who wouldn't pick up my own sensitivities would probably enjoy it immensely.

Above everything, I did enjoy the Raney and Levine detecting duo, the pace of the story, the sinister edge and gipping darkness. Cultural difficulties apart, it was still a good read!

[Fiona (Titch) Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank the author for allowing me to read this last installment of the Raney & Levine series.

It's been a while since I read the series, so I thought I best get reading the final book as it looked so good from a recommendation as well. Raney & Levine are meant to be on holiday with their little man Jesse, but as usual they get a call from the police on a murder. What can Raney & Levine do that the police can't, they can find out things without a warrant. This is a really interesting read and had me gasping at parts and going oh no at others. I take my hat off to the author for this terrifying but adventurous series.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone knows the story of Jack the Ripper. This story is about a serial killer that kills in a ripper-like fashion. The killer is escalating and seems to be playing with them. Jill & David (2 doctors) are called in from their vacation to assist where cops cannot seem to make any progress.

I really enjoyed this suspense novel. There are so many suspects and they all have different motives. I also loved the little boy (Jill & David's son). He was so adorable and seems to have a gift. If you are a mystery/suspense lover then you will love this book.

[kimberly davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

I couldn't,t put this book down. It held my attention through the whole story. It was non stop suspense and a great who done it. Do yourself a favor and read this story.

[dollie ledford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping tale

I have read all the Embryo books . This is another great read. I couldn't put it down . Can't wait for the next book.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drs Raney and Levine are caught in the mix again. This serial is after transgender males.
A twisting, thrilling tale leads readers through a complex web.
Overall, a highly enjoyable read.

[Chris Denes]

DNF. Couldn’t get into it this at all. Embryo 5 and 6 didn’t do it for me. This killer seemed so contrived and unrealistic.